Verelan PM

Verelan PM Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

VERAPAMIL EXTENDED-RELEASE CAPSULE - ORAL

(ver-AP-a-mil)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Verelan

USES: Verapamil is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Verapamil is called a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. It may also lower the heart rate.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to treat other heart diseases (such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, fast/irregular heartbeats) and to prevent chest pain (angina).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Depending on your specific brand, take this medication either in the morning or at bedtime as directed. Consult your pharmacist if you have any questions about when to take the medication.

Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once and may increase your risk of side effects.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and carefully sprinkle its contents on a spoonful of soft, cool applesauce just before you take it. Swallow all of the drug/food mixture immediately without chewing. Then rinse your mouth and swallow the rinse liquid to make sure that you have swallowed all of the medicine. Do not chew the mixture or prepare a supply in advance.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take a week before you get the full benefit of this drug. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (for example, your routine blood pressure readings remain high or increase).